Shear Connector for Connecting at Least Two Components and System of Interconnected Components

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a shear connector ( 4 ) for connecting at least two components ( 1, 2, 3 ), said connector having a number of pins ( 6 ). The shear connector ( 4 ) is embedded at least partially and preferably completely in one of the components ( 2, 3 ) and the pins ( 6 ) of the shear connector ( 4 ) engage in corresponding cavities in the component ( 2, 3 ) that carries the shear connector ( 4 ). To improve the ease of assembly, the shear connector ( 4 ) is configured in at least two sections and is provided with elements ( 10 ) or co-operates with elements that are used to interconnect the two or more sections ( 4   a,    4   b ) of the shear connector ( 4 ). The invention also relates to a system of interconnected components.

1. PRIOR ART

The invention concerns a shear connector adapted for interconnecting at least two structural components, which connector has a number of mandrels and is embedded at least partially, but preferably completely in one of the structural components, wherein the mandrel of the shear connector engages corresponding recesses in the structural components. Furthermore the invention concerns a system of structural components interconnected with each other.

A shear connector of this type, which is used for producing for example a supporting framework structure, as well as a system of interconnected structural components are known from DE 197 01 458 C1.

Frameworks produced in this manner are appropriate for various fields of use. They are used in the construction of buildings as well as in exposition and stage construction or for example in the construction of roller coasters. The system comprised of shear connectors and the cooperating structural components is designed such that the static and dynamic loads affecting the framework can be absorbed. Apart from the stability of the individual beams, girders and supports it is particularly important that the occurring forces can be transmitted securely at the nodal points of interconnected beams or supports.

A further aspect of such systems concerns their economic efficiency, which means that they may be produced and assembled in a simple and cost-saving manner. In many cases it is also desirable that the interconnecting system imparts an agreeable aesthetic impression.

A typical example of the presently concerned constructions is wooden structural engineering wherein beams or similar supporting components or elements are interconnected to form stable wall, floor and/or roof frameworks. In this context various material combinations are used, i.e. the material wood may be combined with concrete, for example as filling material, but also with plastics or metal components. Regarding the material wood solid wood glulams and other wooden materials may be concerned with the solid woods being particularly designed in the form of logwoods, beams, square-shaped timber, shelves and crossbeams, which in relation to the sizes of their cross sections are able to absorb and to transmit relatively high forces. As a “crossbeam” a beam is to be understood which is formed by longitudinally partitioning one or several tree trunks and turning the partitioned pieces about their longitudinal axis as well as by subsequently interconnecting these parts to form a new beam, wherein an opening extending essentially centrally along the crossbeam results from the arched faces then lying on the inside and originally forming the outer portions of the tree or trees, respectively.

Interconnecting facilities have been developed in manifold manner and introduced in practice, in particular in the region of the ends of these structural elements. Purely by way of example some known facilities should be mentioned, for example dowels combined with bolts and additional screw nails, driven-in transversely to the longitudinal axis of the beam in the region of groove and tongue connections, or nail attachments with butt or cover plates, or studs with transversely extending hardwood dowels or embedded T-steel with rod-shaped dowels, or pegs, in particular shearing pegs etc. It is known that frontal connections may well also be obtained by a so-called beam joint, wherein the beam sides are provided with support elements for transmitting forces on both sides in the region of their ends by means of transversely extending dowels of particular structure.

From the already mentioned DE 197 01 458 C1 a wood-construction interconnecting facility is known for frontal joining of a crossbeam. This includes a shear connector which is embedded in at least one region of an opening extending within the cross beam over its total length in such manner that it is offset backwardly with its outer end with respect to the frontal face of the beam. The shear connector has a rod-shaped core with mandrels sticking out, and an attachment facility on at least one of the core ends.

With this wood joint it is possible to provide an optically appealing frontal joint of a cross beam with another structural component involving a minimum number of structural elements, only, at low assembling effort. However, it is not immediately possible to erect a complete framework with this known wood joint because this is primarily designed for the frontal side application in a cross beam.

From DE 100 29 343 C2 a similar interconnection system is known for beam-shaped structural components, wherein provision is made that the shear connector is equipped with a continuous opening adapted to receive a joining means to extend there through in a manner to be freely movable in the longitudinal direction, and engages a counterpart which has been embedded in a structural component. Thereby it is accomplished to mount the beam provided with a shear connector on any connecting components or elements in a simple and thus also cost-efficient manner.

DE 203 06 942 U1 also applies shear connectors of the species concerned for producing an interconnection of several structural components. In order to be able to manufacture a plurality of varying nodal points with few parts, only, at the same time aiming at a simple assembling facility, provision is made herein that the shear connector has, apart from the interconnecting option for the first structural component, at least an interconnecting option for a further structural component which is aligned in a direction oblique or transverse to the first structural component and co-operates with an interconnecting option of the other structural component via an opening in the first structural component.

Even though simple and optically appealing interconnections of structural components or elements can be achieved with the already known solutions cases of application have become known in which, while using the mentioned shear connectors, it is desirable that the assembling effort be further reduced. Furthermore it appears to be advantageous in some cases of application to be able to enhance the ability of transmitting forces. Moreover it appears to be desirable to amplify the spectrum of application of the interconnecting system beyond the known structural elements and thus to make it suitable for other structural elements.

2 SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

The invention is thus based on the problem to develop further a shear connector of the type initially mentioned and a system of interconnected structural components, respectively, such that an amplified spectrum of application results and/or enhanced application options may be obtained. In particular, the assembly is to be simplified and higher forces are to be transmitted through the connection of the structural components. Furthermore, the system should be adapted to be distinguished by an appealing optical appearance.

This problem is solved by way of a shear connector having the features of claim 1, and by a system having the features of claim 37. Through the design according to the invention particularly simplified assembling options will result.

According to a further development the connecting means are appropriate for forming a positive and/or non-positive joint. Therein, the shear connector is preferably partitioned along a plane containing its longitudinal axis.

A groove and tongue system having an undercut may be provided as means for connecting the at least two parts of the shear connector, wherein each part of the shear connector comprises one part of the groove and tongue system. In this context a groove of dovetail-shape and a correspondingly shaped tongue have proved of value as the groove and tongue system. The groove and tongue system may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shear connector. In this case preferably only one single groove and tongue system may be arranged on the parts of the shear connector. However, it is also an option that the groove and tongue system should extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shear connector. In this case particularly two groove and tongue systems on the parts of each shear connector have proved to be advantageous.

The groove and tongue system may, when seen in the direction of insertion of the tongue into the groove, have an altering width. In particular, it is contemplated in this context that the groove and tongue system has, when seen in the direction of insertion of the tongue into the groove, a tapering extension. The angle of tapering may advantageously be between 0.5° and 5°, and it is of particular advantage if it is between 1° and 3°.

The insertion of the one part of the groove and tongue system into the other one may be simplified in that the groove and/or the tongue has/have a chamfer of insertion in one of their end regions.

The connecting means may, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, have a pin-shaped connecting element which is adapted to be inserted into one bore, each, in each one of the parts of the shear connector, wherein the axis of the bore forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the shear connector. The angle between the axis of the bore and the longitudinal axis of the shear connector preferably is between 15° and 80°, in particular between 30° to 60°. It is also impossible to align the bores transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shear connector.

The pin-shaped connecting element may be designed as a conical pin, and the bores within the parts of the shear connector may have a shape corresponding to the outer contour of the pin.

Each part of the shear connector may have, when seen in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shear connector, a triangularly-shaped outer contour such that two composed parts result in a shear connector which has a square or lozenge-shaped cross-sectional face.

An alternative embodiment of the invention aims at a shear connector which has a bore passing therethrough along its longitudinal axis. It is possible to obtain a more stable and solid connection between the shear connector and the structural components to be connected if the bore is provided with a thread in one of its end regions.

In this context the core diameter of the thread may preferably be smaller than the diameter of the bore. The length of the thread in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shear connector preferably extends over no more than 50% of the total length of the shear connector; most preferably the longitudinal extension of the thread will be only up to maximally 33%, in particular up to 25% at the maximum of the total length of the shear connector.

In order to obtain an enhanced facility of fixing the shear connector or the structural component there is provided, according to a further alternative embodiment, a shear connector on which there is arranged at least one plane-shaped retaining section.

At least one plane-shaped retaining section may be arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the shear connector. It is also possible that the at least two plane-shaped retaining sections lie within a mutual plane.

In context with such design of the shear connector it is made possible to do without a complete embedding of the shear connector within the structural component. In fact, the mandrels may only project in one direction into corresponding recesses within the structural component and the shear connector may be fixed by means of the plane-shaped retaining sections, for example by means of screws on one outside of the structural component, with the screws passing through bores in the plane-shaped retaining sections. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that mandrels are only arranged on the shear connector within a partial space confined by the aforementioned plane.

Another embodiment provides that the plane-shaped retaining section is arranged on the shear connector such that its normal of the surface extends parallely of the longitudinal axis of the shear connector or that it includes an angle of less than 45° therewith.

In particular, the plane-shaped retaining section can be arranged in an axial end region of the shear connector, and according to an alternative embodiment thereof it may well be arranged thereon adapted to be adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shear connector. Also in this case provision may be made that the mandrels are only arranged on one side of the shear connector.

Regarding the cross sectional shape of this one-piece shear connector there is preferably provided that it has, when seen in a section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, a triangular outer contour, wherein the parallely extending mandrels are expediently only provided on both of the smaller lateral faces of the shear connector.

The at least one plane-shaped retaining section and the shear connector may be moulded in one piece. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the at least one plane-shaped retaining section is welded, soldered, screwed and/or glued to the shear connector.

The system of interconnected structural components according to the invention, i.e. the supporting framework system, comprises a first structural component in which the at least one shear connector provided with mandrels is embedded, wherein the mandrels engage the first structural component as well as at least one further structural component. The proposal according to the invention aims at the shear connector having a bore passing therethrough along its longitudinal axis, in which bore a pole- or rod-shaped retaining element, in particular a tube can be inserted, wherein the pole- or rod-shaped retaining element can be fixed in the direction of its longitudinal axis with respect to the shear connector and relative to the further structural component and/or to a further shear connector.

According to an embodiment it is provided that the axial fixing of the pole-shaped retaining element occurs relatively to the shear connector and/or relatively to the further structural component and/or relatively to a further shear connector by means of at least one retaining pin which passes at least partially through the structural component and/or the pole-shaped retaining element and/or the shear connector and/or the further structural component.

Therein the retaining pin preferably passes through the structural component and/or the pole-shaped retaining element and/or the shear connector and/or the further structural component in a perpendicular direction regarding the longitudinal axis of the pole-shaped retaining element.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment one shear connector, each, is arranged in one structural component, each, wherein a further structural component is arranged between both structural elements, and the pole-shaped retaining element passes through both shear connectors and the further structural component.

The pole-shaped retaining element may project axially beyond the shear connector. Furthermore, one retaining pin each may be arranged directly on the shear connector's axial end facing away from the other shear connector.

The retaining pin may be a pin made from steel and have a diameter of between 3 mm and 10 mm, preferably a diameter of between 5 mm and 7 mm. Furthermore the assembling of the system may be facilitated if the retaining pin has a chamfer or point at one of its axial ends.

There may be at least two structural components arranged in a mutual plane. Furthermore, at least one of the structural elements may be a cross beam.

In terms of the invention structural components are particularly elements of a supporting framework which can be loaded or stressed with regard to deflection, torsion, tension or pressure, such as for example props, poles, posts, beams, cross bars or rods, but also elements to be connected to a support or a framework as in particular brackets for objects or apparatuses to be fixed to a carrier.

In particular, the suggestion according to the invention may be applied to a wind resistant bracing connection (design of the roof beams of a roof structure).

Regarding the known solutions the suggestion according to the invention has various advantages:

It is easier and simpler to perform the assembling of the system when applying a partitioned shear connector. In some cases of application the assembly may thus be simplified quite remarkably, and it is possible to create new options of assembling.

Torques and forces may be transmitted to a larger degree between the structural component and the shear connector. The material stress is reduced particularly regarding the shear connector, and it is also possible to reduce stress peaks.

Pure steel-steel-joints are made possible which brings about high-tensile connecting facilities.

The expenditure for producing the required structural components (by milling, drilling, saw-cutting etc.) becomes smaller, and thus the system is made more cost-efficient.

Steel components, which have hitherto been applied in wood constructions from time to time, may be dispensed with.

Also, the expenditure for static and constructional calculations is reduced remarkably, whereby advantages in the field of design are accomplished.

The invention will be explained in greater detail in the following referring to the drawings, which in each case show preferred examples of embodiment of the suggestions according to the invention. There is shown in:

FIG. 1 a perspective representation of three structural components interconnected by means of two shear connectors;

FIG. 2 a, 2 b perspective representations of the two parts of a shear connector having a groove and tongue system for interconnecting the two parts;

FIG. 3 a, 3 b perspective representations of both parts of a shear connector having a groove and tongue system for interconnecting the two parts in an alternative manner regarding FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 a perspective view of the two parts of a shear connector in a state in which they are not yet interconnected;

FIG. 5 a representation of interconnected shear connector parts analogous to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 a side view of one of the parts of the shear connector;

FIG. 7 a side view of the other part of the shear connector;

FIG. 8 a front view regarding FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 a front view regarding FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 a perspective view of the two parts of the shear connector not yet interconnected, and of connecting pins;

FIG. 11 a perspective view of a shear connector having a through boring including a female thread;

FIG. 12 a sectional side view of the shear connector according to FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 a perspective view of a shear connector having plane-shaped connecting sections;

FIG. 14 a front view of the shear connector of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 a plan view of the shear connector of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 another perspective view of the shear connector according to FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 a perspective view of a shear connector having a plane-shaped connecting section arranged frontally;

FIG. 18 the shear connector according to FIG. 17 when viewed from another direction;

FIG. 19 a perspective view of a shear connector forming an alternative embodiment with respect to FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 a perspective view of the shear connector according to FIG. 17 in an assembling state;

FIG. 21 an exploded view of three structural components and of the members provided for their interconnection;

FIG. 22 a perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 21 in a state already assembled to a large extent;

FIG. 23 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment in relation to FIG. 22 in a state of completed assembly.

FIG. 1 represents a structure comprising three structural components or elements 1, 2, 3, which are firmly interconnected via a shear connector system. The structural component 1 is a one-piece wooden beam having a transverse bore. The other two structural components 2 and 3 are, however, designed as beams separated by a longitudinal cut, i.e. they are comprised of partial components 2 a, 2 b and 3 a, 3 b, respectively.

In each partial component 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, 3 b recesses have been incorporated so that a shear connector 4, 5, respectively, may be received. Each shear connector 4, 5 has mandrels 6 which engage bores in the partial components 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, 3 b of the structural components 2, 3. After the shear connector 4, 5 has been introduced into the recesses in the partial component 2 a, 3 a, respectively, the partial components 2 a, 2 b and 3 a, 3 b, respectively, are interconnected, for example stuck or glued to each other so that the shear connector 4, 5 is firmly arranged within the structural components 2, 3.

In the present case both shear connectors 4, 5 are provided with a longitudinal bore. Before interconnecting the partial components 2 a and 2 b a fastening screw 7 has been inserted. With its head 8 this screw abuts the axial end of the shear connector 4 and passes through the shear connector 4 as well as through the structural component 1 and the shear connector 5 in order to engage a thread (not shown) within the shear connector 5.

If the screw 7 is then tightened via an opening 9 by means of an angular tool a firm connection is produced between the three structural components 1, 2, 3.

This structural principle is principally known in prior art.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, however, it is new that the shear connector 4 represented in the left hand portion of the figure has a standard design whereas the shear connector 5 represented in the right hand portion has a bore which has been partially provided with an inside thread (see below).

The structural concept drafted in FIG. 1 may be used in structural elements of any type. It may, for example, be used with cross beams or in a cross bracing connection and in other manifold embodiments.

In order to facilitate the assembling of the system there is an advantageous solution as has been drafted in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b. As may be taken therefrom a shear connector 4, formed by two pieces, is provided, i.e. the shear connector 4 is comprised by a part or component 4 a and a part or component 4 b. It has been indicated how the mandrels 6 engage recesses in two partial components 2 a and 2 b. On their sides facing each other in the assembled state, the two parts 4 a, 4 b of the shear connector 4 are provided with a means 10 for positive and non-positive interconnecting of the two parts with each other, namely with one component each of a groove and tongue system, respectively.

The one component of means 10 is formed by a dovetail-shaped groove 11, the other component by a correspondingly shaped tongue 12. The two components 11 and 12 may be made to abut each other and then to be fitted into each other in an insertion direction E. In other words, the dovetail groove 11 forms an undercut for the tongue 12, so that both components become unmovable perpendicularly to the direction of insertion E. One recognizes a small insertion bevelling 13 on the end of tongue 12; in a quite similar manner an insertion bevelling 14 has been provided on the insertion opening of groove 11 in order to facilitate the assembling procedure, i.e. the push-fitting insertion of tongue 12 into groove 11.

An embodiment similar to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b has been shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. Basically the same principle has been realised as has been shown in FIG. 2 a, 2 b. However, there has been provided an alignment of the groove and tongue system 10 which is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the shear connector 4. Furthermore, there have been provided two groove and tongue systems 10 spaced with respect to each other. In this case the two components 4 a and 4 b of the shear connector 4 may be pushed into one another in an insertion direction E which is transverse to of the longitudinal axis L of the shear connector 4.

Herein, the groove 11 and the tongue 12 may be provided with a small tapering angle α in respect of the insertion direction E, as has been exemplified in FIG. 3 a, which provision has been made in order to be able also to bring about, upon reaching the corresponding end position, a force-fit interconnection apart from a positive connection.

The two components 4 a, 4 b of the shear connector may be interconnected with each other firmly in a simple manner by means of the dovetail groove and tongue connection after the insertion thereof into the structural components. The fitting-in of the two shear connector components 4 a and 4 b into the structural components 2 a, 2 b, respectively, may be performed in a simple manner by fixing the respective connector components by means of screws on the structural components 2 a and 2 b. To this end, the two connector components 4 a and 4 b have two non-designated bores.

The shear connectors 4 of the type explained may be used for transmitting transverse and shearing forces and loads, and they will facilitate the production of prefabricated wooden structural components (rod-shaped or plane-shaped), which may then be assembled or pushed together positively and/or non-positively in situ with remarkable ease of assembling.

In FIGS. 4 through 10 another embodiment of the concept according to the invention has been illustrated. As already indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3 the shear connector 4, in this case, has also been formed two-part, i.e. it comprises both components 4 a and 4 b with the plane of partition of the connector 4 running along the longitudinal axis L (see FIG. 4) and including the same.

As may be best seen from FIGS. 6 through 9 the two components 4 a and 4 b of the connector 4 are in each case penetrated by bores 15, 16 and 17.

The bore 15 penetrates both components 4 a, 4 b of the shear connector 4 approximately centrally at an angle of 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis L (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

However, the bores 16 and 17 cross the two components 4 a, 4 b under 45° as well, but with respect direction Q transverse to the longitudinal axis L. Therein, the bore 16 arranged in one end area of the shear connector 4 is located inversely arranged with regard to another bore 17 which is provided in the other end area of the shear connector 4.

As may best be seen in FIG. 10, pin-shaped connecting elements 18, 19, 20 are placed through the two composed components 4 a and 4 b of the shear connector 4 in order to interconnect both components 4 a, 4 b firmly with each other. Therein, the connecting pin 18 is introduced into the bore 15, while the pins 19 and 20 are introduced into the bores 16 and 17, respectively. By arranging the bores 15, 16, 17 at an angle a firm joint between components 4 a and 4 b will result.

It may also be recognized in FIG. 10 that further pins 21 and 22 may be introduced into corresponding bores which extend at an angle of 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

The shear connector 4 which has been shown by way of perspective representation in FIG. 11 and by way of sectional representation in FIG. 12 is formed in one piece and has a through boring 23 which extends along the longitudinal axis L of the shear connector 4. The shear connector 4 is characterized in that it has an inside (female) screw thread 24 whose core diameter is smaller than the diameter of through boring 23. Thereby, the possibility is brought about to allow a screw bolt to enter from the right hand side of FIGS. 11 and 12 into the through bore 23 and to screw the thread thereof into the female thread 24.

Thereby, bending moments may be absorbed in an enhanced manner. The reason is that two points of support result for the screw bolt which lies in bore 23, i.e. one point in the region of the thread and one at the region of exit of the screw bolt at the end of the shear connector. By spacing the two points of support, moments may be absorbed in a much better way than is possible with the hitherto known solutions. By passing the screw bolt through the hollow shear connector and by screwing the bolt into the female thread 24 at the end a “change of criteria” is brought about leading towards a “carrier on two supports”. By means of supporting the introduced screw bolt at its entering and exiting sides the occurring forces will be absorbed in an improved manner through the spacing existing between the points of support so that higher forces and moments may thus be transmitted than is common in the case of the hitherto known solutions.

In extending the female thread 24 it is possible—as in the case of a rearwardly screw-attachable shear connector—to create a connection with a counterpiece. Thus the variety of application is increased considerably by the proposed embodiment. The shear connector may, in selecting the thread correspondingly with regard to its length, offer connecting facilities at both sides.

The solutions represented in FIGS. 13 through 20 concern further embodiments of the shear connector in which the latter is provided with at least one plane-shaped connecting section.

In FIG. 13 a shear connector 4 may be seen which laterally has two plane-shaped connecting sections 25. In this context the connecting sections 25 have been moulded simultaneously with the shear connector 4, so that a one-piece interconnection is accomplished.

Each connecting section 25 has at least one bore 26 by means of which it is possible to screw-attach the shear connector on the surface of a structural component. Then the mandrels will only protrude into the corresponding recesses of the structural component in one direction. Therefore, the shear connector 4 shown in FIGS. 13 through 20 has only been provided with mandrels 6 which extend in one direction away from the basic body of the shear connector.

From FIGS. 15 and 16 it may moreover be taken that in this context the through boring 23 has been provided as well, which merges one-sidedly with the thread 24.

FIGS. 17 through 19 show the shear connector 4 by way of an alternative embodiment. In this case, only one single plane-shaped retaining section 27 has been provided, which is aligned such that the normal N of its surface extends parallely to the longitudinal axis L of the shear connector 4.

The solution according to FIG. 19 combines such a retaining section 27 with the retaining sections 25 which may be seen in FIGS. 13 through 17. The shear connector 4 may be provided without (s. FIG. 17, 18) as well as with a through bore 23, which may be designed with or without thread 24 (s. FIG. 19).

FIG. 20 shows an example of application in which the shear connector 4 according to FIG. 17 and 18, respectively, is used in order to interconnect two structural components 1, 2. The retaining section 27 forms a solid support on the structural component 1 in order to fix the structural component 2 in relation thereto. The fixing of the retaining section 27 is brought about by screws which are screwed through bores 28.

From FIG. 20 it can be taken that it is possible with the presently proposed shear connector to interconnect, in particular, a wooden auxiliary carrier to a wooden major carrier in a non-visible manner. The recesses for the mandrels are introduced into the frontal face of the auxiliary carrier by means of a template in a known manner. The shear connector is then fixed frontally to the auxiliary carrier by means of wood screws which are either introduced directly through the body of the shear connector or through the lateral retaining sections. The thus completed auxiliary carrier is then mounted on the major carrier by means of the frontside retaining section 27 and, there again, is fastened by means of wood screws. Thus, a non-visible connection is accomplished.

In turning the shear connector by 180° so that the retaining section 27 is, for example, placed on a concrete floor, there is the possibility to connect wooden stems effectively and favourably regarding the assembling, for example, with the concrete surface and/or to interconnect them therewith. Instead of using wood screws, this may also be achieved by means of dowels which are passed through the one-piece-moulded or separate retaining section, respectively. This type of a shear connector may be incorporated in individual stems for the purpose of high prefabrication in the plant of production, or in stems which are incorporated in already finished wall surfaces, which leads to the result that even complete wall surfaces may already carry, in a non-visible manner, such bottom or foot parts which for example my be joined with concrete faces.

The embodiments proposed according to FIG. 13 through 20 are particularly advantageously and preferably adapted for restoring wooden frameworks.

In such solutions it is of particular advantage that it becomes possible to fix the shear connector laterally on a wooden carrier, i.e. an integrated conception as for example in the case of FIG. 1 will not be realised. The assembling state of the shear connector “only from the outside” will enable the attachment of the connector on a one-piece wood element in a very simple manner. To this end the mandrels are provided to extend in one direction, only.

Thus, with the shear connector 4 according to FIGS. 13 through 20 the decisive advantage will be achieved that an attachment of the connector to a one-piece carrier becomes possible, and that may be performed from the outside.

In FIGS. 21 through 23 it is shown how a system of structural components 1, 2 and 3 can be interconnected in a simple manner by means of two shear connectors 4. To this end, the structural component 1 (support) has a transverse bore 29 through which a tube 30 (preferably a steel tube) may be inserted. Both shear connectors 4 are equipped with a through boring along their longitudinal axes. The tube 30 will be selected to be sufficiently long so that both shear connectors 4 may be penetrated completely and that, moreover, some portion may even project axially.

FIG. 21 shows that the shear connectors 4 are tied in the structural components 2 or 3 (waler) in a manner as explained in context with FIG. 1. In FIG. 22 a pre-assembled installation situation is represented in which the tube 30 has been pushed through the bore 29 in the structural component 1 and in which the two structural components 2 and 3 have been added laterally such that the tube 30 penetrates both shear connectors 4.

In this case, the fixing of the interconnection is performed by means of steel pins 31 which are driven-in in the shown manner after the pre-assembly represented in FIG. 22.

As may best be taken from FIG. 23 a preferably tapered steel pin 31 is driven-in such that it passes through the structural component 1 including the tube 30; thus, the tube 30 is fixed in relation to structural component 1.

The two other steel pins 31 are driven through the structural components 2 and 3 transversely such that the tube 30 is penetrated immediately in the axial end region of the shear connector 4. Thus, the tube 30 is also fixed in relation to the respective shear connector 4 so that altogether a firm interconnection between the three structural components 1, 2, 3 has been brought about.

Corresponding bores for the steel pins 31 may be installed in advance in the structural components 1, 2 or 3 and, if necessary, as well in the tube in order to facilitate assembling. For example, the bores may be pre-drilled with a diameter of 5 mm, and subsequently the steel pins having a diameter of 6 mm may be driven-in. Finally the entrance bores of the steel pins may be closed by means of wooden plugs.

The proposal according to FIGS. 21 through 23 enables a pure steel-steel-connection, in which for example the internal hole pressure of the shear connector in the wood is no longer decisive. This leads to increased force absorbing abilities and, in contrary to pure wood-wood-joints, to the advantages of pure steel-steel-connections which are manifold.

The shear connector may be provided with moulding bevellings of e.g. 2° and have radii which, for example, amount to at least 2 mm. The radii of the mandrels are designed such, in relation to the basic body of the shear connector that no embossments result and that the shear connector fits solidly and snugly in milled-out portions having been provided for the purpose of its reception. The shear connector may be provided with a layer of zinc, with typical thicknesses of the layers amounting to between 5 and 8 μm.

The geometrical dimensions of the shear connector as well as of the possibly existing bores therein depend on the respective case of application. For example in the case of a cross-bracing-connection wood screws having a diameter of 12 mm may be applied leading to corresponding dimensions of the shear connector. Also the length of the shear connector is selected in accordance with the forces to be transmitted.

Equally, the proposal according to the invention is appropriate for connecting stem-shaped or plane-shaped structural elements. For instance, examples of application are to be seen in attachments of wall boards in wood structure components. 

1. A shear connector (4) adapted for interconnecting at least two structural components (1, 2, 3), which connector has a number of mandrels (6) and is embedded at least partially, but preferably completely in one of said components, the mandrels (6) of the shear connector (4) engaging corresponding recesses in said component (1, 2, 3), characterized in that said shear connector (4) is formed of at least two parts and is equipped with means (10, 18, 19, 20) or is able to co-operate with the latter, by which means the at least two parts (4 a, 4 b) can be interconnected.
 2. A shear connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the interconnecting means (10) are adapted for bringing about a positive and/or non-positive joint.
 3. A shear connector according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the shear connector (4) is separated along a plane comprising its longitudinal axis (L).
 4. A shear connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the interconnecting means (10) are formed as a groove and tongue system (11, 12) having at least one undercut, wherein each part of the shear connector (4 a, 4 b) has one part of the groove and tongue system (11, 12).
 5. A shear connector according to claim 4, characterized in that the groove and tongue system (10, 11) is composed of at least one dovetail-shaped groove (11) and a correspondingly shaped tongue (12).
 6. A shear connector according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the groove and tongue system (11, 12) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4).
 7. A shear connector as claimed 6, characterized in that one single groove and tongue system (11, 12) is arranged on the parts (4 a, 4 b) of the shear connector (4).
 8. A shear connector according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the groove and tongue system (11, 12) extends in a direction (Q) transverse to the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4).
 9. A shear connector according to claim 8, characterized in that at least two groove and tongue systems (11, 12) are arranged on the parts (4 a, 4 b) of the shear connector (4).
 10. A shear connector according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the groove and tongue system (11, 12) has a width altering in the direction of insertion (E).
 11. A shear connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the groove and tongue system (11, 12) extends conically in the direction of insertion (E) of the tongue (12) into the groove (11).
 12. A shear connector according to claim 11, characterized in that the angle of the cone (α) is between 0.5° and 5°, preferably between 1° and 3°.
 13. A shear connector according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the groove (11) and/or the tongue (12) of the groove and tongue system (11, 12) has/have an insertion bevelling (13, 14) in one end region thereof.
 14. A shear connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the interconnecting means (10) have at least one pin-shaped interconnecting element (18, 19, 20) which is adapted to be inserted into one bore (15, 16, 17), each, in each one of the parts (4 a, 4 b) of the shear connector (4), wherein the axis of the bore (15, 16, 17) includes an angle with the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4).
 15. A shear connector according to claim 14, characterized in that the angle between the axis of the bore and the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4) is 15° to 80°, preferably 30° to 60°.
 16. A shear connector according to claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the pin-shaped interconnecting element (18, 19, 20) is formed as a conical pin and that the bores (15, 16, 17) have a shape corresponding to the outer contour of the pin.
 17. A shear connector according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that each part (4 a, 4 b) of the shear connector (4) has, when seen in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4), a triangular outer contour.
 18. A shear connector adapted for interconnecting at least two structural components (1, 2, 3), which connector has a number of mandrels (6) and is embedded at least partially, but preferably completely in one of said structural components (1, 2, 3), wherein the mandrels (6) of the shear connector (4) engage corresponding recesses in the structural component (1, 2, 3) and wherein the shear connector (4) has a bore (23) passing therethrough along its longitudinal axis (L), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the bore (23) is provided with a thread (24) in one of its end regions.
 19. A shear connector according to claim 18, characterized in that the core diameter of the thread (24) is smaller than the diameter of the bore (23).
 20. A shear connector according to claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the thread (24) extends over at most 50% of the total length of the shear connector (4).
 21. A shear connector according to claim 20, characterized in that the thread (24) extends over at most 33%, preferably over at most 25% of the total length of the shear connector (4).
 22. A shear connector adapted for interconnecting at least two structural components (1, 2, 3), which connector has a number of mandrels (6) and is embedded in one of the structural components (1, 2, 3), preferably only partially, wherein the mandrels (6) of the shear connector (4) engage corresponding recesses in the structural component (1, 2, 3), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that at least one retaining section (25, 27) of plane-shape is arranged on the shear connector (4).
 23. A shear connector according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one retaining section (25), each, of plane-shape is arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4).
 24. A shear connector according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least two retaining sections (25) of plane-shape lie in a common plane.
 25. A shear connector according to claim 24, characterized in that mandrels (6) are only arranged on the shear connector (4) in a partial space confined by the plane.
 26. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the plane-shaped retaining section (27) is arranged on the shear connector (4) such that the normal (N) of its surface extends parallely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4) or includes an angle of less than 45° therewith.
 27. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the plane-shaped retaining section (27) is arranged in an axial end region of the shear connector (4).
 28. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the plane-shaped retaining section (27) is arranged on the shear connector (4) adapted to be adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) thereof.
 29. A shear connector according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that mandrels (6) are only arranged on one side of the plane of symmetry of the shear connector (4).
 30. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 29, characterized in that the shear connector (4), when seen in a section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (L), has a triangular outer contour.
 31. A shear connector according to claim 30, characterized in that mandrels (6) preferably extending parallely to each other, are only provided on the two smaller lateral surfaces of the shear connector (4).
 32. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that the at least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) and the shear connector (4) are moulded in one piece.
 33. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that the at least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) is welded to the shear connector (4).
 34. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that the at least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) is soldered to the shear connector (4).
 35. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that the at least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) is screwed-on to the shear connector (4).
 36. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that the at least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) is glued to the shear connector (4).
 37. A system of structural components (1, 2, 3) interconnected with each other, in particular a supporting framework system, having a first structural component (2) in which at least one shear connector (4) provided with mandrels (6) is embedded, wherein the mandrels (6) engage in the first structural element (2), and having at least one further structural component (3), characterized in that the shear connector (4) has a bore (23) passing therethrough along its longitudinal axis (L), in which bore a pole-shaped fastening element (30), in particular a tube is inserted, which element is adapted to be fixed in the direction of its longitudinal axis relatively to the shear connector (4) and relatively to the further structural element (3) and/or to a further shear connector (4).
 38. A system according to claim 37, characterized in that the axial fixing of the pole-shaped fastening element (30) occurs relatively to the shear connector (4) and/or relatively to the further structural element (2) and/or relatively to a further shear connector (4), by means of at least one fastening pin (31) which passes at least partially through the structural component (2) and/or the pole-shaped fastening element (30) and/or the shear connector (4) and/or the further structural element (1, 2).
 39. A system according to claim 38, characterized in that the fastening pin (31) passes through the structural component (2) and/or the pole-shaped fastening element (30) and/or the shear connector (4) and/or the further structural component (1, 2) perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the pole-shaped fastening element (30).
 40. A system according to any one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that one shear connector (4), each, is arranged in one structural component (2, 3), each, wherein a further structural component (1) is arranged between said two structural components (2, 3) and wherein the pole-shaped fastening element (30) passes through both shear connectors (4) and said further structural component (1) (FIG. 22, 23).
 41. A system according to claim 40, characterized in that the pole-shaped fastening element (30) projects axially beyond the shear connector (4).
 42. A system according to claim 41, characterized in that one fastening pin (31), each, is arranged directly on the outwardly extending end of each shear connector (4).
 43. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 42, characterized in that the fastening pin (31) is a steel pin.
 44. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 43, characterized in that each fastening pin (31) has a diameter of between 3 mm and 10 mm, preferably a diameter of between 5 mm and 7 mm.
 45. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 44, characterized in that each fastening pin (31), at one axial end thereof, is equipped with a chamfer or a point.
 46. A system according to any one of claims 37 to 45, characterized in that at least two structural components (1, 2, 3) are arranged in one plane.
 47. A system according to any one of claims 37 to 46, characterized in that at least one of the structural components (1, 2, 3) is a cross beam. 